New Year’s Traditions and Superstitions

2016 Is Just Around the Corner

Whether you’re ready or not, the New Year will soon be here. And as we’re getting busy ringing in 2016, most of us will participate in several New Year’s traditions without thinking much about where they come from. For example, have you ever wondered why we kiss at midnight? And why do southern people eat black-eyed peas for the holiday?

We’ve got the answers to all of your burning New Year’s Eve questions. Keep reading, and you’ll have plenty of interesting conversation starters to keep the object of your midnight kiss desires enchanted until the countdown arrives.

Black-Eyed Peas and Greens

This one is a very popular tradition south of the Mason-Dixon line. The traditional New Year’s meal includes black-eyed peas mixed with diced onion, bacon, and hot sauce. You can also usually expect a side of steamy collard greens and ham.

The legend has it that peas are thought to symbolize prosperity, as they swell when cooked. The greens are the color of money, and the pork products represent the forward motion of a rooting pig, because New Year’s Eve is a time to move forward. Yum!

Let’s Make Some Noise!

After the ball drops, you and your fellow revelers might take to the streets to make a huge ruckus with party horns, firecrackers, and pots and pans. If the neighbors complain, just remind them that you’re warding off evil spirits, and really, they should be thanking you, or better yet, making some extra noise themselves.

The New Year’s Kiss

When midnight strikes, hopefully you’ll have someone nearby to lay a big wet smooch on. If not, some people believe you’ll be doomed to a year of loneliness. That doesn’t sound fun. Pucker up if you’re the superstitious type!

Stock Your Pantry

Some folks believe that an empty pantry will lead to a year of hunger in the ensuing twelve months. If you’ve been planning a trip to the grocery store, get it out of the way, well before the New Year arrives.

Open Your Doors

Some people say it’s important to open all of your doors before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. That way, the old year will be able to find its way out of your house. As an added bonus, the noise you make will be even louder with the doors open, warning mischievous spirits to steer clear.

Tall, Dark, and Handsome? Come Right In

Do you know a dark-haired man who likes to bring gifts to parties? Switch the time on his invitation so he shows up first. Why? It’s very good luck to have a dark-haired man with a gift be the first to arrive. Traditional Scottish first-foot gifts include salt, whisky, bread, or silver coins.

Pad Your Pockets on New Year’s Eve

It’s considered good luck to have money in your pocket when the clock strikes midnight at the end of the year. And no, debit cards don’t count. Stop by the ATM and withdraw a couple of C-notes, just to get the New Year started off on the right foot.

Stay Positive

It’s thought that the first words you hear on New Year’s Day will set the tone for the rest of the year, so don’t spend the evening with any negative Nellies, and do your part to ensure prosperous years for those you love by keeping your words positive, especially after the stroke of midnight.

Don’t Touch That Broom on New Year’s Day

We’re big fans of keeping your house nice and clean, but you may want to put off sweeping or dusting until the new year has had a chance to settle in to your home. If you’re not careful, you could end up sweeping your good luck out with the dust. Don’t do it!

Happy New Year!

Yes, we know: we’re a little bit early. But we at Homes.com wanted to be the first to wish you a happy and prosperous 2016. Here’s to you!

Jamey has been a writer since he discovered science fiction and fantasy in the fourth grade. His early love for all things strange and mysterious has translated into a passion for writing about haunted mansions and other intriguing topics related to real estate and homeownership. Jamey loves nothing more than finding a medieval castle in the middle of New Jersey or a chalet on the coast of Florida. When not researching otherworldly real estate, Jamey can be found writing his series of outer space horror novels in his home in Seattle.